So my favorite season is finally here and I’m sure you can tell…because every post I write now begins with “my favorite season is here.” But it really is my favorite season, because well…sun, and open toe sandals. I mean who isn’t ready to shed the heavy coats, feel the sun on their face and more importantly update their spring wardrobe?

When seasons change though, the first thing most of us tend to do is run out and start shopping the latest trends. It’s like a reflex action, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, you should already have a classic spring wardrobe in place that you can build on. I have been guilty of having a closet full of trendy pieces that I’ve never worn. See, the thing is, in my younger years, I was all about the latest thing, regardless of what it looked like on my body. And so season, after season, I would keep getting stuck with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. DO NOT let this be you this spring. Learn from my mistake.

You can snazz-up any classic piece of clothing with something trendy, be it an accessory or a statement item. The important thing is to have basic pieces that fit well, and flatter your body type. And while the rule is to stay neutral when it comes to basics, there’s nothing wrong with stepping outside the box and adding some color and flair to a few of your essentials. Here are some ideas to help spice up your classics this spring.

Shop My Spring Faves

Puff Up Your White Button-Down Shirt

The white button-down shirt is the quintessential classic piece. You can pair it with slacks or a pencil skirt for a professional look, tuck it into skinny fit jeans for a casual evening, or dress it up with a silk scarf or colorful blazer for an after-work event. If you’re like me, you probably already have multiple white shirts hanging in your closet. Try a white shirt with puff sleeves for a different look.

Give Your Trench Coat Some Plaid Vibes

The trench coat is a must for your spring wardrobe. It’s a great transitional coat, perfect for those rainy days, and so chic. Khaki trench coats are definitely a closet staple, but don’t be afraid to switch it up a little. This season, black leather trenches are in, and plaid is always in fashion in my book.

Make A Statement With Your White Tee

Ok, so my t-shirt collection is filled with all kinds of tees, in all colors. The white tee is an essential, but I say go crazy and get yourself a wide range of colors for the spring. You cannot go wrong with a well-fitted tee. You can dress it up or dress it down, wear it alone, layer it, you name it. Plus I’m also a sucker for graphic tees.

Go Dark With Your Denim Jacket

A denim jacket goes with everything. It’s perfect for layering over tees, dresses, shirts. You can wear it with a pop of color, or with something neutral. It’s just a must-have in your closet. Experiment with different shades of denim. Dark denim was popular on the runways for Spring 2018.

Pull Up And Pull In Those Black Trousers

A black pair of trousers is a must-have spring basic. This is probably the piece you will wear the most this spring, so be sure to find a pair that fits well. A classic pair of black pants takes you straight from the office to an evening date, to a night out on the town. Take it to another level this spring with a belted, high waisted pair.

Brighten Up Your Blazer

A black blazer is another essential wardrobe basic, but it’s spring, so switch things up with a blazer in your favorite spring color (I personally love yellow). Oversized boxy blazers are in this season, but I personally prefer soft shapes that flatter my curves. Find a shape that works for you.

Give Your Little Black Dress The Cold Shoulder

Many fashionistas retire their little black dress in the spring and summer for pastels and floral prints. I say the LBD is fashionable all year round. It’s the perfect color to highlight your other spring favs, like your fuchsia clutch, or your oversized hoop earrings. Make your LBD more spring-like by opting to show some skin. Shoulders are in this spring so go for an off-the-shoulder or cold shoulder dress.

Be Bold In Your Rain Boots

With April flowers, come April showers, so rain boots are a must for your spring wardrobe. I am very biased when it comes to my black Hunter rain boots, but there are so many ways to spice up your rainy footwear for the spring. Transparent rain boots were a hit on the runway (not my favorite look), but so too were bold and bright colors. A dreary day definitely doesn’t have to mean dreary footwear.

Try A Woven Every Day Tote

I love a fab tote, only because I tend to carry my life in my bag – my lipsticks, spare deodorant, small mirror, hair brush, light sweater, nasal spray, iPad (you name it…it’s probably in my bag). There are days when I just need my tote to be functional, but there are other days when I want to make a statement. Finding a bag that does both is fantastic. This season, the basket trend is still very much in. Nothing says spring like a cute woven tote that holds everything.

Replace Your Pumps With Kitten Heel Slingbacks

Every woman should have a neutral pair of pumps in her closet all year round. But there’s nothing wrong with mixing it up with a pair of slingbacks. Kitten heel slingbacks are a must-have this spring, not only are they cute, they’re comfy and they are the perfect addition to a pulled-together outfit.

Shop New Shapes For Your Sunnies

Experiment with different sunglass shapes to find a pair that’s flattering. Sunglasses are the ultimate spring/summer accessory, plus they protect your eyes. Cat-eye frames are hot this spring and make for a fun, bold fashion statement.

Go For Mules Instead of Ballet Flats

I’m a sucker for ballet flats and sandals, but mules in all their different shapes and sizes were all over the runways for the 2018 spring season. They are sleek and look great with spring dresses and cropped pants.

What spring basics do you keep in your closet? Do you incorporate seasonal trends into your spring wardrobe? How do you mix and match for the season?